What to say about the last full week in the mission... I'll get the bad news out of the way first I suppose. So, I'm almost certain I inadvertently donated my iPad to another North Side Wal-Mart patron because it has not turned up. I was pretty bummed about it most of the day to be honest. You probably could've taken me out for bacon-wrapped filet mignon I would have still come out angry. Oh, wait, that happened... Side note, a member took us out to Texas de Brazil where for a small price of $44.00 a plate, they bring around various cuts of meat until you can eat no longer. But, yeah, the iPad is gone and it was terrible.
That night, the combination of excessive meat in my stomach and the fact that I lost the iPad seemed to prevent me from sleeping. Elder Ball couldn't sleep either so after about two hours we got up and watched Ephraim's Rescue until we were tired. While watching all these pioneers sacrifice so much, I thought to myself, "Am I willing to sacrifice my iPad in addition to the bike, two red light tickets, towing fee, blood, sweat, tears, and dignity I've already sacrificed, for the Lord? Yep, I think I am!" From that point on I've just been praying that some sort of good will come to someone from the loss of my iPad. If somebody were to become curious about the Gospel because of my highly restricted iPad with Jesus' face and the Church's name appearing on the home screen, I'd have no regrets about losing it. I'm just going to assume that's what is happening.
Most of the rest of the week was spent trying to get Barry ready for baptism. Satan was sure giving his best effort to prevent it from happening--including a car tire completely snapping off its axle. Fun story there, I'll tell y'all later. We came out on top in the end though! One other obstacle that we had to overcome was the fact that Barry is in a hard cast up to his mid-thigh from a foot surgery he had recently. We ended up using a white garbage bag, plastic wrap, and some tape to cover the cast. The issue of his leg not being able to bend was solved by having a priest in the water with us to make sure Barry's leg went under. It turned out well and I only had to baptize him once. Miracles!
The priest was also pretty proud that he got to help baptize someone.
After the baptism, we were driving home and saw one of our investigators sitting alone in the Subway he works at. We went inside and ended up teaching him and setting a baptism date. Cool. He also makes good sandwiches. No one makes 'em like Maurice.
Well, I suppose this is the end of an era for our family. I don't think the English language allows me to fully express my feelings for my mission. It has been everything I hoped for and so much more to use a cliche. I've thought a lot about whether I would serve this very same mission again, and though I don't necessarily feel ready to do everything over again right now, I am incredibly grateful for every experience I have had participating full-time in the work of salvation in Texas. That includes the good and the bad. I cannot thank the Lord enough for the person He has molded me into and the knowledge and wisdom He has allowed me to gain. The main thing I will take home and keep with me is the knowledge that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me deeply and is always guiding me- that He has given me His Firstborn and Only Begotten Son to pull me out of sin and sorrow. I know the Lord has been there with me every step.
I'm extremely grateful to the Lord for these beautiful two years He has gifted me and for the love y'all showed me throughout this journey. Texas will forever be sacred ground to me because of what I have become and the miracles I've seen here. It has truly been a loaves and fishes experience.
Love,
Elder O'Brien (the younger)
Sent from not my iPad
And to me he sent - El restaurante mexicano está bien para mí. Ellos hablan Español allá?
Sí o no? Está bien si no. No hablo español pero un poquito.
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